Dr. Moraes’ lab works on the molecular basis of mitochondrial disorders, which are caused by defects in the cellular energy production system. Mitochondria contain their own DNA (mtDNA), and mutations in either mtDNA or nuclear DNA can disrupt the ATP synthesis machinery and trigger several pathways that can lead to disease or participate in cancer progression. He also studies the role of mitochondrial function in aging and develops pharmacological and genetic approaches to treat mitochondrial defects.